India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route Announced On New Year’s Day
India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route Announced On New Year’s Day
Guwahati–Howrah service to launch soon; fares lower than flights, premium overnight travel promised
Indian Railways has announced the route of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, marking a major milestone in premium long-distance rail travel. The new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express will operate between Guwahati and Howrah (Kolkata), with the inaugural service expected to be flagged off in the coming days.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that testing, trials, and safety certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train have been successfully completed. Speaking on the development, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the service, likely within the next 15 to 20 days.
The sleeper variant represents the next phase in the evolution of Vande Bharat trains. While the chair car versions have seen strong passenger demand on short and medium routes, the sleeper version has been designed specifically for long-distance journeys exceeding 1,000 kilometres, offering faster, safer, and more comfortable overnight travel.
According to the Railway Minister, the Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper will provide a strong alternative to air travel on the busy eastern corridor. The fare for 3AC is expected to be around ₹2,300, while 2AC is likely to cost about ₹3,000. The proposed First AC fare is close to ₹3,600. In comparison, airfares on the same route often range between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000, making the sleeper train a significantly more affordable option.
🚨 BREAKING: Kolkata–Guwahati to get India's FIRST Vande Bharat Sleeper train 🇮🇳🚆
— Nachiketa (@mNachiketA77) January 1, 2026
PM Narendra Modi to flag it off in the coming days
Train details
🔹 16 coaches
🔹 11× AC 3, 4× AC 2, 1× AC 1
🔹 Fare:
• AC 3 – ₹2,300
• AC 2 – ₹3,000
• AC 1 – ₹3,600#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/8QROdiMnsZ
The train recently cleared its final high-speed trial under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety on the Kota–Nagda section, where it achieved a top speed of 180 kmph. During the trial, critical parameters such as braking performance, ride stability, vibration levels, safety systems, and emergency response mechanisms were tested and found satisfactory.
The 16-coach sleeper rake has been developed with a focus on passenger comfort and safety. It features modern sleeper berths, upgraded suspension for smoother rides, automatic doors, contemporary toilets, digital passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance, and energy-efficient technologies. Advanced safety measures include the KAVACH anti-collision system, crashworthy couplers, enhanced fire protection, emergency communication units, and dedicated facilities for Divyangjan passengers.
Indian Railways plans to induct around 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains by the end of this year, with a faster rollout planned in the next phase to cover more long-distance routes across the country. Officials believe the sleeper variant will transform overnight rail travel by combining speed, comfort, and affordability.
With the Guwahati–Howrah route announced on the first day of the new year, the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is being seen as a significant step towards modernising the country’s long-distance passenger rail network and offering travellers a premium yet cost-effective alternative to flying.
